In the first three months of the curbside battery and cell phone pilot program, San Carlos residents recycled over 1,600 pounds of batteries and cell phones. According to a recent survey, 39% said they used to dispose of their household batteries in the trash. Now that the state universal waste law has gone into effect, they know this is no longer legal. The survey also showed that of the residents who have used this convenient new service, 85% were "extremely satisfied." They are especially thankful they don't have to drive to a store, city hall or recycling center anymore!
Some residents asked what happens to the batteries and cell phones. Allied Waste drivers take the plastic zip-type bags off the top of the mixed paper bin and place them in a special container in their truck. The heavy metals or toxic components of batteries such as cadmium, nickel, zinc, mercury, manganese, lead and lithium are separated and recycled. Cell phones are reused or recycled.
The success of this pilot program will likely result in expanding it to other RethinkWaste cities this fall. Check back for future updates.
Not a San Carlos resident? Don't want to wait? Click here for a list of current battery collection drop-off locations. [<-- needs update]
